The Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is confident that Fernando Torres will be able to play against Birmingham City tonight, as Liverpool aim to get their season back on track.

Steven Gerrard’s problems are also easing and he may get a place on the bench, but Benitez thinks he will need some match fitness.

“Gerrard has lost part of his fitness and when a player is available but has been injured for one month you would not say he is ready to play,” he said. “We will see if he can train with the team, can be on the bench or can play. We know he will not be fully fit.

“With Torres, we know 100 per cent that it is not a problem to play him. The doctor and the physios have explained all of the different scenarios.

“He is feeling better than before so he can carry on [playing] with the pain. It is a question of whether he will be fully fit but the decision is not a risk.

“It is a medical decision, rather than the manager saying we need this or that.

“We have to do what is best for the players and what is best for the team and at this moment the priority is to have the players for a long time and do the right thing.”

Jamie Carragher and Phillip Degen are both suspended but Beniez is hopeful that Aurelio, Skrtel and Glen Johnson will be available, if not totally fit.

But at least some of the problems are getting a little better.